Bangladesh T20 World Cup Standoff as India Venue Rejected

Bangladesh T20 World Cup participation is in doubt after the country’s sports adviser confirmed the team will not travel to India. The ICC T20 World Cup is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, but Dhaka wants its matches moved to Sri Lanka.

The position was restated on January 7, 2026, after talks with the Bangladesh Cricket Board. Officials said national dignity and team security will not be compromised.

Bangladesh T20 World Cup Position Restated by Government

Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul said Bangladesh is eager to play in the Bangladesh T20 World Cup but not under conditions it considers unsafe or disrespectful. He spoke after a meeting with BCB directors in Dhaka. He said the team earned its place by qualifying on the field and wants to compete.

He also said the venue is the key issue. Bangladesh is asking the ICC to shift all of its matches to Sri Lanka, the other host nation. He said the country will not send players, staff, or journalists to India under the current circumstances.

The adviser said Bangladesh received a letter from the ICC. He said the governing body did not fully grasp the security concerns being raised by Dhaka. He also framed the dispute as an issue of national honor.

Tensions rose after India’s cricket authorities took action involving Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman. The Kolkata Knight Riders released him from their IPL squad following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Bangladesh officials described the move as unjustified.

In response, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ordered a blackout of IPL broadcasts in the country. The adviser backed that step and said it reflected wider concerns about how Bangladeshi players are treated.

He said the Mustafizur episode showed that conditions in India are not suitable for Bangladesh’s national team. He also said the issue goes beyond sport and touches on communal and safety concerns, though he did not give further detail.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board is now waiting for a formal reply from the ICC. Officials hope the world body will accept Sri Lanka as a neutral and secure alternative for Bangladesh fixtures in the Bangladesh T20 World Cup.

Cricket fans in Bangladesh are watching closely. The team has already named its squad, but travel plans remain unresolved. If no agreement is reached, the country could face the risk of being unable to take part despite qualifying.

Regional Fallout and ICC Pressure

The standoff adds a new layer of uncertainty to the Bangladesh T20 World Cup schedule. India is the main host and has most of the venues and broadcast commitments. Any change would require ICC approval and coordination with Sri Lanka.

Diplomatic and sporting relations between the two cricket boards have also come under strain. Analysts in regional media say this is one of the most serious disputes between BCB and BCCI in years.

International cricket bodies such as the ICC usually try to keep tournaments free from political disputes. However, they must also address security assessments and government positions from participating nations.

Bangladesh’s firm stance puts the ICC in a difficult position. Accepting the request could set a precedent for other teams. Rejecting it could lead to a major member being absent from a global event.

For now, Bangladesh is holding its ground. Officials say the team will play the Bangladesh T20 World Cup only in Sri Lanka if the ICC agrees. They say talks will continue, but the red line on India remains.

The Bangladesh T20 World Cup dispute has become one of the biggest stories in international cricket this week. Dhaka says it wants to compete, but only in Sri Lanka. The final decision now rests with the ICC.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why is Bangladesh refusing to play the T20 World Cup in India?

Bangladesh officials say they are concerned about team security and national dignity. They also point to recent treatment of Bangladeshi players in India.

Q2: Where does Bangladesh want to play its T20 World Cup matches?

Bangladesh wants all of its matches moved to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is the co-host of the ICC T20 World Cup.

Q3: Has the ICC made a decision on Bangladesh’s request?

No final decision has been announced yet. The Bangladesh Cricket Board is waiting for a formal reply from the ICC.